ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Usda Meat Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Meats by Linz

SQF PRACTITIONER (31592)

Hammond, IN · On-site

The role ensures compliance with the SQF Food Safety Code, HACCP requirements, USDA-FSIS ... Verify program effectiveness through audits, inspections, and trend analysis. Audit & Regulatory ...

Meats by Linz

SQF PRACTITIONER (31592)

Hammond, IN

The role ensures compliance with the SQF Food Safety Code, HACCP requirements, USDA-FSIS ... Verify program effectiveness through audits, inspections, and trend analysis. Audit & Regulatory ...

Meats by Linz

General Labor (26288)

Hammond, IN

$15 - $16.30/hr

Meats By Linz is seeking to add talent to our HAMMOND facility! Position Summary Meats by Linz is ... Inspect products for quality, appearance, and proper labeling. * Maintain production lines by ...

Meats by Linz

General Labor (26288)

Hammond, IN · On-site

$15 - $16.30/hr

Meats By Linz is seeking to add talent to our HAMMOND facility! Position Summary Meats by Linz is ... Inspect products for quality, appearance, and proper labeling. * Maintain production lines by ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsUsda Meat Inspector JobsUsda Meat Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Usda Meat Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20

$23

$25

How much do usda meat inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda meat inspector in Chicago, IL is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USDA Meat Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, animal anatomy, and the ability to identify health hazards, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or USDA certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, data entry systems, and sanitation monitoring devices is important. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong communication skills help inspectors enforce standards and collaborate with plant staff. These abilities ensure the safety and quality of meat products, protecting public health and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by USDA Meat Inspectors in their daily work?

USDA Meat Inspectors often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards in fast-paced processing environments. They must stay vigilant to identify potential hazards or violations while balancing the need to keep production lines moving efficiently. Inspectors also navigate regular communication with plant management and workers, sometimes needing to enforce regulations that impact operations. Successfully managing these responsibilities requires strong attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and effective interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Usda Meat Inspector vs Food Safety Inspector?

AspectUsda Meat InspectorFood Safety Inspector
CertificationsUSDA certification, HACCP knowledgeVaries by agency, often HACCP and food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, slaughterhousesFood production facilities, regulatory agencies
Employer & IndustryUSDA, meat and poultry industryFederal, state, or local agencies across food sectors

The USDA Meat Inspector primarily focuses on inspecting meat and poultry products in processing plants to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Food Safety Inspectors have a broader scope, overseeing various food industries to ensure public health standards are met. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their specific responsibilities and industry focus differ.

Is it hard to become a USDA Meat Inspector?

Becoming a USDA Meat Inspector requires meeting specific qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, and passing written and practical exams. The process involves completing training programs and obtaining certifications, which can take several months to a year depending on individual circumstances.

What is a USDA Meat Inspector?

USDA Meat Inspectors are trained professionals employed by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled for human consumption. They inspect animals before and after slaughter to check for signs of disease or contamination and enforce federal regulations regarding food safety and sanitation in processing plants. Their work helps protect public health by preventing unsafe or contaminated products from reaching consumers.

What are popular job titles related to Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Usda Meat Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Usda Meat Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Meat Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,143 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Food Quality Technician

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Addison, IL

$25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Food Quality Lead (2nd shift)
Location: Franklin Park, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Target Pay Rate: $24.00/hour (plus $1 shift differential) = $25.00/hour
Work Schedule: 2nd Shift (3:30pm - 12:00am), Monday - Friday
Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)
Job Summary:
A growing food manufacturing company is seeking a 2nd Shift Quality Assurance Lead to support and strengthen its Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs. Working closely with the Quality Control Supervisor, this position helps ensure regulatory compliance, product quality, and adherence to food safety standards in a USDA-regulated processing environment. The ideal candidate has experience in a meat or protein processing facility and possesses strong leadership, problem-solving, and food safety compliance skills.
Must Have Skills:
  • Experience in a meat or protein processing environment
  • Knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and SSOP regulations
  • Quality assurance and food safety experience within food manufacturing
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • High school diploma or equivalent (HACCP certification preferred)
Job Duties:
  • Support food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs
  • Assist with corrective and preventive action (CAPA) investigations and implementation
  • Maintain compliance with USDA, FSIS, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and SSOP requirements
  • Complete and review daily, weekly, and monthly quality documentation
  • Oversee sanitation programs and verify SSOP compliance
  • Support microbiological sampling and testing activities
  • Ensure compliance with Foreign Material Control procedures
  • Conduct internal audits, inspections, and SQF verification/validation activities
  • Monitor product specifications and quality standards
  • Assist with food safety and quality training for production employees
  • Investigate and help resolve customer quality complaints
  • Train and mentor Quality Control team members
  • Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) throughout the production process
  • Serve as backup to the Quality Control Supervisor as needed
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a USDA-regulated meat or protein processing facility required
  • HACCP certification preferred
  • Strong understanding of food safety systems, food microbiology, and quality assurance principles
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking abilities
  • Proven decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.